Press Release

Representative Scarsdale to host Joint Committee Listening Tour

For Immediate Release – Pepperell, MA - June 17, 2024

State Representative Margaret Scarsdale announced today that the State Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses will bring its state Listening Tour to the 1st Middlesex District (Ashby, Lunenburg, Townsend, Pepperell, Dunstable and Groton).

“I am pleased to announce that the Joint Committee will bring its Listening Tour to my district to listen to the experiences of small businesses and to discuss ways to expand economic opportunities to benefit the community,” Scarsdale said.  Representative Scarsdale is a member of the Joint Committee.

The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses is Co-Chaired by Senator Pavel M. Payano (D -  1st Essex) and Representative Paul McMurtry (D - 11 Norfolk).  The Joint Committee consists of five Senators and eleven Representatives from around the State. The Joint Committee has conducted four regional Listening Tours to date.

“I am thrilled to announce that the Listening Tour will take place at the Groton Hill Music Center, June 24, from 2pm – 4 pm.,” Scarsdale said. “We will invite business leaders and town officials from the region to discuss their experiences and ideas on how the state Legislature can assist a rural community to realize its economic potential,” Scarsdale commented. “I am particularly pleased and grateful to the Groton Hill Music Center for hosting this event and proud to be showcasing this magnificent music education and performance venue in the heart of this region,” Scarsdale added.

There will be a Business Panel consisting of the following:

  • Manufacturer                   John Quinn, Echo Fiber, Lunenburg

  • Developer                         John Amaral, Omni Properties, LLC. Groton 

  • Retail                               Matt Evans, Evans on the Commons, Townsend

  • Farming                           Brittany Overshiner, Up Swing Farm, Pepperell

Following the panel a Question and Answer between attendees and the Legislators will occur.

The meeting will end with a tour of the Groton Hill Music Center.